Why Choose Induction Cooking?

Are you considering switching from gas to induction cooking? It's a choice more and more households are making. Induction cooktops offer many advantages over traditional gas stoves, from energy efficiency to safety and ease of use. But what makes induction cooking so appealing? And what should you know before making the switch?

What is induction cooking?

Induction cooking works differently than cooking on gas or electricity. Instead of heating a cooktop, induction uses magnetic fields to heat the pan directly. This ensures fast and efficient heating. As a result, your food cooks faster and you use less energy.

Benefits of induction cooking

There are numerous advantages to using an induction hob:

• Efficiency : Induction cooktops are much more efficient than gas stoves because less heat is lost. Approximately 90% of the energy is converted directly into heat, compared to only 40-50% with gas.
• Speed : Induction cooktops can boil water twice as fast as gas stoves. This means you'll spend less time in the kitchen.
• Safety : The hob itself doesn't get hot; only the pan is heated. This reduces the risk of burns and makes it safer, especially with children in the house.
• Easy to clean : Because the hob doesn't get hot, spilled food won't burn. You can easily wipe the hob clean with a cloth.
• Precision : Induction cooktops offer precise temperature control, making it easier to prepare delicate dishes.

Disadvantages of induction cooking

While induction cooking has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

• Purchase costs : Induction cooktops can be more expensive to purchase than gas stoves. However, costs are decreasing due to their increasing popularity.
• Specific pans : Not all pans work on an induction cooktop. You need pans that are magnetic, such as cast iron or stainless steel.
• Getting used to it : It can take some time to get used to cooking on an induction cooktop. The way heat is regulated is different from gas.

Is induction cooking something for you?

Induction cooking is ideal for those looking for an efficient, safe, and modern way to cook. If you value precision and speed in the kitchen, induction is an excellent choice. It's also an environmentally friendly option, as it uses less energy than gas.

The switch to induction cooking

Switching to induction cooking can require some preparation. Here are some steps to keep in mind:

1. Check your current kitchen : Make sure your kitchen is suitable for an induction cooktop. You may need to hire an electrician to install the correct connection. Induction cooktops often require a dedicated power supply, usually a separate circuit in the meter box.

2. Invest in suitable pans : Check if your current pans are suitable for induction. You can easily test this with a magnet; if the magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan, it's induction-safe. If not, invest in a set of induction-safe pans made of cast iron or stainless steel. Note: Pans with a copper or aluminum base are not induction-safe.

3. Read the manual : Every induction cooktop has its own specifications and features. Read the manual carefully to get the most out of your new cooktop. This will teach you about the different cooking zones, settings, and special features like boost mode or timer functions.

4. Start with simple dishes : When you're new to induction cooking, it can be helpful to start with simple dishes. This will help you get used to the speed and precision of the induction cooktop. You'll notice that water boils faster and you can control the temperature more precisely.

5. Use the right cooking techniques : Induction cooking offers precise temperature control, ideal for delicate dishes like sauces or melting chocolate. Take advantage of this opportunity by experimenting with low temperatures and fast heat-up times.

6. Keep your cooktop clean : One of the advantages of induction is its ease of cleaning. Keep a soft cloth and mild detergent on hand to clean the cooktop after each use. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads, which can scratch the surface.

7. Be patient : It can take a while to get used to cooking on an induction cooktop. The way heat is regulated is different from gas. Give yourself time to adjust and discover the benefits of this modern cooking technology.

The savings of induction cooking

Induction cooking can not only save you time, but also money and the environment. Here's an overview of how different cooktops perform in terms of energy consumption and annual CO2 emissions:

Hob	This is how much gas or electricity you use per year	This is your annual CO2 emissions
Gas	37 m3 of gas	80 kilo
Induction	175 kWh	60 kilo
Ceramic	225 kWh	75 kilo
Old-fashioned hob (cast iron)	260 kWh	90 kilo

As you can see, induction cooking offers significant savings in both energy consumption and CO2 emissions, contributing to a more sustainable household.

Costs of switching from gas to induction

Switching from gas to induction cooking involves some costs. The purchase price of an induction cooktop typically ranges from €300 to €1,500, depending on the make and model. Installation may also be an issue, especially if your kitchen isn't already equipped with a suitable power connection. Hiring an electrician can cost anywhere from €100 to €500, depending on the complexity of the installation.

You may also need to invest in new induction-compatible pans. These costs can vary, but a good set of induction pans can cost between €100 and €300. While the initial investment may be higher, you'll save in the long run through more efficient energy consumption and lower energy costs.

Tips for economical cooking on induction

Induction cooking is inherently more efficient than cooking on gas or a traditional electric hob, but you can save even more by following a few simple tips:

• Use the correct pan size : Make sure the pans you use are the right size for the cooking zone. Pans that are too small waste energy, while pans that are too large can damage the cooktop.
• Lid on the pan : Always use a lid on the pan to retain heat. This speeds up the cooking process and saves energy.
• Utilize residual heat : Turn off the cooktop a little earlier and use the residual heat to finish the cooking process. This can save energy, especially when simmering and cooking pasta and rice.
• Using a kettle : Use a kettle to preheat water before pouring it into a pan. This is more efficient than heating cold water on the stovetop.
• Cook in bulk : Prepare meals in larger quantities and freeze portions. This not only saves energy but also time and effort in daily cooking.
• Temperature control : Use induction's precise temperature control to use only the heat you need. Avoid unnecessarily high temperatures and set the hob to the correct setting.
• Use good pans : Cook with pans that have a thick base and conduct heat well. This ensures even heating and a more efficient cooking process.

By following these tips, you can benefit even more from the advantages of induction cooking and save both energy and costs.

Why an induction protector is essential

Now that you're switching to induction cooking, it's important to protect your investment. An induction cooktop protector is specially designed to protect your induction cooktop from scratches, dirt, and damage. They not only offer protection but can also be a decorative addition to your kitchen.

Benefits of induction protectors

• Protection : Prevent scratches and other damage to your hob.
• Maintenance : Keep your induction hob clean and free from dirt.
• Style : Give your kitchen a personal touch with stylish designs.

At Inductie Maatje, you'll find a wide range of induction cooktop protectors. From modern and minimalist designs to colorful and creative prints, there's something for everyone. Protect your induction cooktop and enjoy a clean, safe, and stylish kitchen.

Why choose induction cooktop protectors? Discover our extensive range and find the perfect induction cooktop protector for your induction cooktop on our website. Visit Induction Mate for more information and choose from the most beautiful designs.